Sea of red tribute to tragic Poppy, 10

THE home town of avid Manchester United supporter Poppy Atkinson turned red in memory of the youngster killed when she was hit by a car on the pitch.

- By Kim Pilling

The family of the 10-year-old requested that mourners at the service, and those lining surrounding roads to pay their respects, wear red, or any football shirt.

People watched in silence, some wiping away tears, as the cortege passed en-route yesterday.

The youngster's coffin sported an artist's impression of Poppy with a football by her side, looking ahead to Manchester United's "Theatre of Dreams" Old Trafford, set against the sun on the horizon.

He parents Ben and Clare and her brother Edward, seven, joined other family members and friends in the congregation at Kendal Parish Church, Cumbria.

Also in attendance were players and officials from local junior football teams, with many wearing Manchester United shirts with the number 10 and Poppy on the back.